Heart of Texas Region

The Heart of Texas Region has vibrant economic and workforce diversity!

The Heart of Texas Economic Development District is comprised of six counties in central Texas between Dallas and Austin. The U.S. Census reported the estimated 2019 population to be 372,588, compared to 349,273 in 2010, an increase of nearly 7%. The Region includes six counties, including Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan County. Major population centers are Waco, Hewitt, Robinson and Hillsboro.

Economy

The Heart of Texas Region is heavily agricultural, but its economy is largely driven by the strong industrial and commercial center in the Waco MSA. Smaller centers can be found in Hillsboro and Mexia. Access to health care is generally good throughout the region, with two major health centers in McLennan County and rural health centers in each of the other counties. Economic development in the Heart of Texas region centers around key industry clusters identified in the Texas Industry Cluster Initiative, such as:

  • Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Energy

Energy production is one of the most significant industrial sectors represented in the Heart of Texas region. Lignite coal, found in Limestone and Freestone counties, is the only significant mineral resource in the area. There is a significant amount of oil and natural gas extraction as well. But recent years have resulted in a trend to develop solar and wind farms around the area. The state of Texas was the second-largest state in the country in solar capacity additions and the rising trend continues today.

Recently, the region has experienced significant economic growth, primarily in the Waco MSA, with several investments by companies like Amazon, Hello Bella, OCI Solar Power and Hecate Energy and can easily accommodate more growth in the coming years.

Workforce

There is an available and skilled workforce in the Heart of Texas region. In November 2020, the Waco MSA had a total employment of 121,023, down nearly 2% from November 2019 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further wage and employment information for the Waco MSA is illustrated below.

Wages by Industry (millions) (2nd Quarter 2020)

wages by industry

Source: Texas Workforce Commission 12/2020

Employment by Industry (November 2020)

employment by industry

Source: Texas Workforce Commission 12/2020

One of the most significant advantages is the presence of robust workforce training providers, that can all quickly deliver specialized training. Waco is also home to Baylor University, the 11th-largest Christian university in the country and offers a wide range of degree programs for those seeking higher levels of education.

Technical Colleges and Workforce Centers

  • Hill College
  • McLennan Community College
  • Navarro College
  • Temple College
  • Texas State Technical College
  • McLennan County Workforce Solutions Center

Geography

The geography of the Heart of Texas Region is a combination of tablelands and irregular plains ranging to hilly in the west, with altitudes varying from 209 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The mean minimum temperature is 33.3 F and the mean maximum temperature is approximately 96 F. Rainfall averages about 36.21 inches a year. The area has abundant lakes, rivers and streams that are popular for recreation and help provide municipal water supplies.

Population

Total Population

380,901

Median Age

38

Diversity Index

74.100

Housing & Income

Households

142,729

Total Housing Units

162,299


Owner Occupied

93,187

Renter Occupied

49,542

Vacant

19,570

Median Home Value

$195,262


Average Home Value

$241,125

Income Projection

Median Household

$58,110 $65,089


Average Household

$85,503 $96,679


Per Capita

$32,159 $36,631

Workforce

Total Businesses

12,685

Total Employed

157,763

Workers 16+

159,899

2023 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

995

Employed

23,359

2023 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

1,881

Employed

19,110

2023 Educational Services - Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

403

Employed

18,272

2023 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

1,064

Employed

14,658

2023 Public Administration

cp-industries

Businesses

649

Employed

13,892

2023 Food Service / Drinking Est.

cp-industries

Businesses

891

Employed

13,109

Some
High School

19,307

Graduated
High School

62,812

Associates
Degree

28,021

Bachelor's
Degree

42,525

Graduate
Degree

22,721

Average Commute Time

0 min.



Resident Commuters

132,049

Non-Resident Commuters

26,937

Drive Alone

131,609

Carpooled

14,465

Public

656

Work At Home

8,728